Creating Community through WritingAs students return to the classroom, they need to feel that they own the space and the learning that takes place in it. Get them off to a good start by collaboratively writing an owner's manual (E) that describes the classroom's areas and procedures.

Getting to know one another is a fundamental step for community building. Learn more about a get-acquainted activity (M) that invites pairs of students to learn about each other and share their findings with the rest of the class. Older students may enjoy writing a newspaper profile of a classmate (S), with a particular focus on a talent, interest, or passion of that classmate.

To learn more about students as writers, try this lesson plan (S-C), which uses Richard Wilbur's poem "The Writer" as an inspiration for students' descriptions of their writing practices.

Teacher educators can share "Insights for Interns: First Day Fears" (TE) from English Journal with preservice and new teachers. The article includes a first-time intern's fears as she approaches the first day of class and an experienced teacher's response and encouragement. Preservice and new teachers may find the article effective as a starting point for their own journal entries on their fears and jitters and the support that they receive from one another and from experienced teachers.

For even more activities and resources, check out these Back to School Resources (G), including lesson plans and additional articles to start the year off right.